NRF: Theft, violence on the rise; organized retail crime expands scope
The retail industry continue to grapple with increasing levels of theft and violence as criminal enterprises become more brazen and dangerous.
Retailers reported an 18% increase in the average number of shoplifting incidents per year in 2024 versus 2023, while threats or acts of violence during shoplifting or theft events increased 17%. That’s according to a new study released by the National Retail Federation and the Loss Prevention Research Council, and sponsored by Sensormatic Solutions.
The Impact of Retail Theft & Violence 2025 study revealed that organized retail crime operations are moving beyond physical store theft into more sophisticated forms. The data shows that organized groups are now diversifying their criminal portfolios, exploiting vulnerabilities across the entire retail ecosystem.
More than half of retailers surveyed reported increases in phone scams (70%), digital and e-commerce frauds (55%), shoplifting and merchandise theft (52%), and cargo or supply chain thefts (50%) being conducted by ORC groups over the past 12 months.
In other findings, 66% of retailers reporting the involvement of a transnational ORC group in thefts against their company during the past year. Limited law enforcement and retail asset protection resources and lack of prosecutors’ willingness to prosecute are the top three reasons impacting retailers’ ability to investigate or prosecute ORC activities, according to the report.
Anti-Theft Measures
In response to the escalating threat, retailers have dramatically increased their investment in multi-layered security strategies. Exterior security, interior security and merchandise protection are the top measures retailers reported as increasing this past year. Measures include cameras, lighting, license plate readers, locking cases and changing store layouts.
Close coordination with law enforcement and the judicial system are essential to deter criminal actions against retailers, advised the study. The majority (64%) of retailers say that they reported less than half of their store-related theft incidents to law enforcement. Lack of law enforcement response served as the primary reason.
“Retailers are contending with rising levels of theft, fraud and violence, while continuing to refine security measures, utilize technologies and partner with law enforcement in efforts to curtail loss across the retail landscape,” said NRF VP for asset protection and retail operations David Johnston. “While some progress is apparent, organized theft groups have expanded their scope, taking advantage of retailers’ strained resources and lagging prosecutorial support nationwide.”
NRF continues to advocate for Congress to pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, which would enhance coordination between federal, state and local law enforcement and provide the tools necessary to tackle the transnational nature of these crimes.
"This year’s report is a reminder of the complexities we must navigate when it comes to the growing and evolving issue of retail theft and violence,” said Sensormatic Solutions president Tony D’Onofrio. “Our retail partners are making substantial investments in loss prevention, and technology is the crucial link in enabling asset protection teams to thwart these pervasive crimes.”
Methodology
The survey was conducted online among senior loss prevention and security executives in the retail industry from June to August 2025. A total of 70 retail companies responded to the survey, representing 168 brands across a variety of retail sectors. These brands represented $1.3 trillion in annual sales for their 2024 fiscal year or 25.1% of total retail sales. The majority (63%) have more than 10,000 employees, and more than half (56%) operate at least 500 stores.
To view The Impact of Retail Theft & Violence 2025 study, click here.
